TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Yes, this!

I also worked out the other day that every firm which had interviewed me was through AllHires. It's my lucky platform, please firms keep using it!

In contrast, I've never had a second stage if the firm uses Cvmail. Basically given up on firms which use that, I know its not rational but it just puts me off now.

I’ve just had a penny drop moment and realised the vast majority of firms I’ve progressed with in this cycle all use AllHires… That’s acc insane:

Akin Gump: AllHires
Debevoise: AllHires
Dechert: AllHires
Gibson Dunn: AllHires
Skadden: AllHires

The only exceptions are Willkie and Weil. Weil’s app doesn’t count though cos that was just personal details, academics and the rare form.

We need to come up with a petition to ban the use of CvMail though cos it’s so bad. It took me an hour just to enter and edit my academics for Sidley… ​

 

[qwerty!]

Just did a very last min app to cleary not much hope, but how soon did people get PfO or Watson glasser a?

i got my WG like 2 mins after submitting my app which i was really confused about??? did the WG about 2 weeks ago now and haven't heard anything since tho

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

i got my WG like 2 mins after submitting my app which i was really confused about??? did the WG about 2 weeks ago now and haven't heard anything since tho

Grad rec as soon as they opened your app cos it was so good they sent the WG immediately:

 

[londonlawyer]

Would it be okay to shorten Ropes & Gray to RG?

 

[sadlawyer01]

I’ve just had a penny drop moment and realised the vast majority of firms I’ve progressed with in this cycle all use AllHires… That’s acc insane:

Akin Gump: AllHires
Debevoise: AllHires
Dechert: AllHires
Gibson Dunn: AllHires
Skadden: AllHires

The only exceptions are Willkie and Weil. Weil’s app doesn’t count though cos that was just personal details, academics and the rare form.

We need to come up with a petition to ban the use of CvMail though cos it’s so bad. It took me an hour just to enter and edit my academics for Sidley… ​

did you get debevoise too? youre absolutely killing it this season!!

 

[Chak]

Just did a very last min app to cleary not much hope, but how soon did people get PfO or Watson glasser a?

I got a PFO literally in a couple of hours after WG.

 

[c.t.tc]

I recently heard someone say this: 'If it's meant for you, it won't pass you by' - So if that firm is your future - there's nothing that you could've said or done that would've jeopardised that - Even if you didn't perform at your best, the firm still won't reject you because it was meant for you, so all their assessment criteria/marking criteria or the quality of the other candidates, lined up in YOUR favour, even if it wasn't your best performance.

I hope I'm making sense, but this has been a nice way of not overthinking for me! I hope it helps

I really appreciate this and it has actually given me a lot of peace of mind! As some of the others have said that is a great way of thinking about it and will keep that in mind going forward

Wishing you the best for your applications!!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

the other one is "I am drawn to your work at the intersection of "

I'm sure there are more.....

I naturally write that

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I’ve just had a penny drop moment and realised the vast majority of firms I’ve progressed with in this cycle all use AllHires… That’s acc insane:

Akin Gump: AllHires
Debevoise: AllHires
Dechert: AllHires
Gibson Dunn: AllHires
Skadden: AllHires

The only exceptions are Willkie and Weil. Weil’s app doesn’t count though cos that was just personal details, academics and the rare form.

We need to come up with a petition to ban the use of CvMail though cos it’s so bad. It took me an hour just to enter and edit my academics for Sidley… ​

I'm so jealous...and yes CV mail sucks so badly

 

[FoodieMcFoodieBigBack]

Does anyone have any experience with Linklaters' commercial interview as part of their AC? I've never done an AC which has this component before, and would appreciate any general guidance (I'm not looking for specific questions or details). Thank you!

 

[yuhhhh]

Hey!

I'm not sure if there is a general rule that firms follow, but I would absolutely ask. The graduate recruitment team are likely to be very understanding, especially considering you are ill, and if there are spaces later in the month then it shouldn't be too much hassle to move you to a later one - I would just send a polite email explaining the situation and ask if there is any possibility to reschedule. Even if they are unable to, at least you know that you asked!


Hope you feel better soon, and best of luck with the AC!!

Thank you very much Abbie for your kind words, it means alot!

I will send an email tomorrow morning explaining my situation, and fingers crossed as to the outcome.

Wishing you a lovely week ahead

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

apparently R&G would like headings lmao

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

also they don't even ask for work experience so yeah...PFO likely

(holdon lemme manifest good news instead)

 

[Legalfreak212]

To anyone that has already done their AC for Reed smith; were the motivational questions crazy?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

apparently R&G would like headings lmao

Then they should’ve asked x

 

[BealMcAlly]

Just submitted what I *think* is my last application of the cycle and I feel a wave of relief coming over me. This cycle has been so exhausting with little to no success. It feels like such a test on my resilience.

Good luck everyone still applying for things going forward!

 

[shroomie]

baker mckenzie vi insights, can trade with A&O shearman vi/ac, sidley, goodwin vi, cooley ac/Interview, weil!

 

[Bbhu19]

Who has an Osborne Clarke Virtual AC specifically for London?

 

[Bbhu19]

I got a PFO literally in a couple of hours after WG.

Oh thats harsh, thanks for replying

 

[angdps]

apparently R&G would like headings lmao

wait as in headings for the app questions